Nicolas R. Nieboer
September 15, 1998 – March 6, 2023
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Calvary Bible Church, 855 South Drake Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, with Pastors Jeff Whitaker and David Jansen officiating. A visitation will take place at Calvary Bible Church on Monday, March 13, 2023 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. Private interment will be at Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Nick’s memory may be given to Joni & Friends or Mary Free Bed Wheelchair Adaptive Sports, c/o of the funeral home or online at joniandfriends.org and maryfreebed.com/wheelchair-adaptive-sports.
Obituary
NIEBOER, Nicolas R.
Kalamazoo
Age 24, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, March 6, 2023, with his family by his side. Nicolas was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on September 15, 1998. He was an incredibly strong person who has been a bright light and inspiration to many. He was born with spina bifida, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Even so, Nick lived an active life and participated in a lot of adaptive wheelchair sports, including basketball and hand cycling. His determination led him to compete in the Boston Marathon in 2019, one of his proudest accomplishments. He loved watching almost every sport, but especially Michigan football with his extended family.
Nick also had a tremendous love for people. He was known for his joyful spirit and great hugs. He had a positive attitude and loved making new friends. This included many of the WMU football and hockey players, as well as the Kalamazoo College men’s soccer players.
Some of Nick’s favorite memories were camping at the Christian Reformed Conference Grounds, spending a week every summer with his family up at Lake Leelanau, making his rounds greeting people at church, and summer picnic suppers outside with his family followed by outdoor games and a campfire. He also enjoyed music of all kinds, including worship songs that often calmed him when he was anxious.
Nicolas is the son of Steven J. And Joy L. (Jansen) Nieboer. He is also survived by two sisters, Josie (Chad) Niewoonder and Grace Nieboer; niece, Avery Joy Niewoonder, grandfather, Nicolas J. Nieboer and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Nick was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ann (Apotheker) Nieboer and Robert and Dorothy (Gerrard) Jansen.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Calvary Bible Church, 855 South Drake Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, with Pastors Jeff Whitaker and David Jansen officiating. A visitation will take place at Calvary Bible Church on Monday, March 13, 2023 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. Private interment will be at Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Nick’s memory may be given to Joni & Friends or Mary Free Bed Wheelchair Adaptive Sports, c/o of the funeral home or online at joniandfriends.org and maryfreebed.com/wheelchair-adaptive-sports.
Steve, Joy and family, We were so saddened to learn of Nick’s passing. Our hearts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
We’re so sorry to hear of Nicholas’ death. He was a great joy to know. He always lit up the room when he was in Sunday School. We will be lifting your whole family up in prayer.
I am so honored to have known Nick. He was a bright light everywhere he went. Thank you for sharing part of his journey with me. I will miss him terribly. “The mention of my child’s name may bring tears to my eyes, but it never fails to bring music to my ears. If you are really my friend, let me hear the beautiful music of his/her name. It soothes my broken heart and sings to my soul”
Sindy and I give our sincere sympathy to you and your family during this time of loss. Nicolas was an incredible inspiration to all who knew him. We know our Father in heaven welcomes him home early with open arms. We will continue to pray for your family during the upcoming months and years as each anniversary or memory can bring back feelings of grief or sorrow, but we pray the Lord may renew your strength and carry you through. Sincere condolences and happiest of celebrations as we celebrate the life Nicolas lived during his time on this earth. Doug and Sindy Nagel
Never met Nick, but talked to Steve about him at a job one time. As a father of a disabled son ,made a connection. Amazed to see similar traits in my son : as loving life, people , and Lake Leelanau. Will never understand why God puts so much on one person, but see the impact one can make with human limitations. Steve and Joy, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Kevin , Sue, & Aren DeKoekkoek
Steve, Joy, and family, My heart goes out to you and I pray for you. I count it a blessing to have known Nicolas. I remember Cheri and I seeing him after his first bout with cancer and having a nice chat with him one night when we were out for a walk and he was getting in some miles on his cycle. I was more concerned with him getting home before dark than he was. He was and is an overcomer.
I just got done viewing the picture tribute to Nicholas. I feel blessed to see all those memories, looks like he lived a wonderful life. I feel like I know Nicholas, praying for him throughout his illness. I am a member of Centerpoint Church Gahanna, with Pastor Dave and Vicki Jansen, and family. I lost my son 2 years ago, and I pray for peace in your hearts. God has been with you this entire journey, and never forget we have an awesome God. Love Sister in Christ, Jan.
I am so deeply saddened to hear of Nick’s passing. He was such a bright light and joy to have as part of our tennis program. Such an inspiration, his determination and spirit was infectious. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Linda Spann
Sending our condolences, keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Sending our condolences.